Disclosed are nucleopeptide compounds that include a nucleobase, and an amino acid. Certain compounds further comprise a glycoside. The compounds may self-assemble to form supramolecular hydrogels. Also, the compounds may be used as a platform to examine specific biological functions (e.g., binding to DNA and RNA) of a dynamic supramolecular system that is able to interact with both proteins and nucleic acids. Other uses include: methods of growing cells and methods of delivering a substance to a cell.